Heaven and Hell

John Entwistle

About Heaven and Hell

"Heaven and Hell" is a song by English rock band The Who written by group bassist John Entwistle. The studio version (originally recorded for an April 1970 BBC session), which appeared on the B-side of the live "Summertime Blues" single, is currently available only on the Thirty Years of Maximum R&B boxed set and Who's Missing, though several live versions of the song exist on official releases. The song was one of many Entwistle B-side singles and one of his live staples.


Year:
1971
4:55
38 
#2

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On top of the sky is a place where you go,
If you've done, nothing wrong
If you've done nothing wrong.

And down in the ground is a place where you go
If you've been a bad boy
If you've been a bad boy.

Why can't we have eternal life
And never die
Never die.

In the place up above, you grow feather wings,
And you fly, round and round
With a harp singing hymns.

And down in the ground you grow horns
And a tail, and you carry a fork
And moan and wail.

Why can't we have eternal life
And never die
Never die.

On top of the sky is a place where you go
If you've done, nothing wrong
If you've done nothing wrong

And down in the ground is a place where you go,
If you've been a bad boy
If you've been a bad boy.

Why can't we have eternal life
And never die
Never die.

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John Entwistle

John Alec Entwistle (9 October 1944 – 27 June 2002) was an English bass guitarist, songwriter, singer, horn player, and film and record producer who was best known as the bass player for the rock band The Who. His aggressive lead sound influenced many rock bass players. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Who in 1990. more »

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Written by: JOHN ENTWISTLE

Lyrics © GOWMONK, INC.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Song Classification
"Heaven and Hell" is a song by John Entwistle, the bass guitarist for the British band "The Who."
Composer Information
The song was uniquely penned and sung by bassist John Entwistle, offering a pivot from usual lead singer Roger Daltrey.
Release Date
The song was first performed live in 1968 but was never included on a studio album by the band.
Album Appearance
A version of "Heaven and Hell" appeared on the 1970 album "Live at Leeds," recorded from The Who's concert at the University of Leeds in England.
Lyrics Theme
The lyrics of "Heaven and Hell" question the traditional Catholic view of Heaven being above and Hell being below us.
Live Performance
"Heaven and Hell" was used as the opening number for The Who's performances and concerts from 1968 until 1970.
Bass Contribution
John Entwistle's powerful bass playing on this song is considered by many fans and critics as one of his best performances.
Musical Structure
The song features a simple verse-chorus structure, utilizing Entwistle's dark humor and satirical songwriting style.
Role in Discography
Although never released as a single or included on a studio album, "Heaven and Hell" remains a fan favorite and staple of The Who's discography.
Entwistle's Persona
The song is often cited as a reflection of Entwistle's cynicism and wit, often contrasting with the more romantic and philosophical lyrics of bandmate Pete Townshend.
Album Art
On the cover of the "Live at Leeds" album, where the song finds its home, is pure black with the band's name and venue appearing as though it's on a packing label, mimicking a bootleg record style.
Album Recognition
"Live at Leeds," the album that features "Heaven and Hell," is often cited as one of the greatest live rock albums of all time.
Post-Entwistle Performances
After John Entwistle's death in 2002, "Heaven and Hell" was seldom performed by the surviving members of The Who.

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